The International Air Transport Association (IATA) joins forces with the Smart Freight Centre (SFC) to sharpen the accuracy and transparency in measuring carbon emissions within air cargo services.

In a strategic effort to enhance their CO2 Connect platform, IATA has forged a partnership with SFC, setting their sights on advancing the cargo edition of the tool. Launched successfully for passengers in 2022, CO2 Connect is now arming industry stakeholders with precise carbon footprint calculations powered by authoritative data.

At the heart of this alliance is the push for a standardized methodology—endorsed by the SFC Clean Air Transport Program—to ensure that those at the helm of air cargo, such as major shippers and freight forwarders, have access to trusted CO2 emissions data for both pre-shipment assessment and reporting.

Speaking at the World Cargo Symposium in Hong Kong, Frederic Leger, IATA’s Senior Vice President for Commercial Products & Services, underscored the urgency of improving CO2 Connect for cargo use. This move aligns closely with the collective goal of global decarbonisation, providing airlines, shippers, and the customers they serve with the reliable data needed to make informed environmental decisions.

Andrea Schoen, Director of the Clean Air Transport program at SFC, echoed the sentiments on transparency serving as the linchpin for decarbonization. The partnership is set to foster close-knit, industry-wide cooperation, boosting informative exchange and fortifying trust all along the supply chain, thereby briskly propelling the green agenda in aviation.

A step further into practical applications, IATA and SFC have enlisted the expertise of Kuehne+Nagel, a leading logistics company, in fine-tuning the CO2 Connect service to the exacting needs of freight forwarders and clientele. Fabiano Piccinno, Global Head of Sustainability Air Logistics at Kuehne+Nagel, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative’s potential to lay down foundational sustainable practices for the aviation sector.

This concerted effort marks a significant stride toward cleaner skies, with IATA and SFC at the forefront, piloting innovation that underscores the air cargo industry’s commitment to a more sustainable future.

As the global demand for air cargo continues to grow, it is imperative that the industry takes proactive steps towards reducing its environmental impact. The collaboration between IATA and SFC on the CO2 Connect platform is a major step in the right direction.

In addition to providing accurate and transparent data, this partnership also aims to promote collaboration and cooperation within the industry. By working together, stakeholders can develop and implement effective strategies to lower carbon emissions in the air cargo sector.

Moreover, this collaboration highlights the role of data and technology in driving sustainability initiatives. With the help of advanced tools like CO2 Connect, airlines and shippers can make data-driven decisions that will positively impact the environment.

The partnership between IATA and SFC is a testament to the aviation industry’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and creating a more sustainable future for air cargo. By leveraging technology and collaborating with key stakeholders, the industry is taking meaningful steps towards achieving its sustainability goals.

This collaboration also sets a precedent for other industries to follow, emphasizing the importance of cross-sector partnerships in tackling environmental challenges. As demand for air cargo continues to rise, it is crucial that the industry continues to prioritize sustainability and work together towards a greener future. Overall, the partnership between IATA and SFC is a positive step towards a more environmentally friendly aviation sector and serves as an example of how collaboration can drive real change for the betterment of our planet. All the extra digital services will ensure the smooth flow of air freight from Sydney.

Conclusion

The collaboration between IATA and SFC on the CO2

Connect initiative is a meaningful advancement in the air cargo industry’s ongoing efforts to align with global sustainability objectives. It not only showcases the power of partnership in tackling complex environmental issues but also emphasizes the critical role of accurate data and transparency in enabling progress. This initiative is set to become a benchmark in the aviation sector for environmental responsibility, inspiring similar actions across other industries.

Through tools like CO2 Connect, stakeholders across the air cargo value chain have the opportunity to measure and understand their carbon footprint better, paving the way for informed decision-making and sustainable practices. It is a testament to the industry’s capacity for innovation and its dedication to a greener future, demonstrating that through collective action and the use of advanced technology, substantial environmental challenges can be addressed effectively.

As this collaboration gains momentum, it brings hope for more sustainable operations within the air cargo sector and beyond, marking a significant step towards achieving the ultimate goal of reducing global carbon emissions. The partnership between IATA and SFC, alongside contributions from air cargo companies like Kuehne+Nagel, serves as an inspiring model of how collaboration, technology, and commitment to sustainability can converge to create impactful environmental solutions.